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How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant

John Tran
I
November 15, 2022
How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant

Are you considering purchasing your first home but need the necessary down payment? You may be eligible for a first home owner grant (FHOG)!

To receive a grant, you'll need to meet specific requirements set by the government. Keep reading if you're interested in learning more about first home owner grants. 

We'll provide an overview of how the program works and how you can apply for a grant.

What is a First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a government scheme designed to help first-home buyers enter the property market. The grant is usually a lump sum payment, which can be used towards the purchase of a new home or to help with the costs of renovations. 

How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant?

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment to eligible first-home buyers. The grant became available on 1 July 2000 and is paid by the State or Territory government. (source: state revenue office)

The FHOG is not means-tested and is available regardless of the income of the applicant(s).

To be eligible for the grant, you must:

  • be over 18 years of age;
  • be an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
  • have never owned a home before (or not owned one for at least 12 months);
  • occupy the home as your principal place of residence within 6 months of settlement

Depending on the state or territory in which you live, the amount of FHOG you may receive will vary.

  • In Victoria, first-home buyers may receive $10,000.
  • In New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, you may be eligible for a $7,000 grant.
  • South Australia offers a $5,000 grant to first-home buyers.
  • First-home buyers in Western Australia can apply for a grant of $3,000.
  • Queensland provides a one-off payment of $5,000 to first-home buyers who purchase or build a new home.

If you have any questions about whether or not you are eligible for the FHOG, you should contact your state or territory revenue office.

How to Become a First-Time Home Buyer?

Suppose you're thinking about buying your first home. Congratulations! Owning a home is a huge accomplishment and an exciting time. However, it's also a big financial decision, so you must do your homework before taking the plunge.

Here are a few things to consider if you're looking to become a first-time home buyer:

Research your options. First-time home buyers have access to a variety of loans so it's crucial to weigh your options and choose the best one. That's why you should make sure to take into account the interest rates, the payback schedule, and any other costs or fees.

Get pre-approved. When you've identified the ideal loan, it's time to apply for pre-approval. This indicates that a lender has assessed your financial status and decided to extend a particular amount of credit to you. By this, you'll be able to buy a home lot more easily as a result because you'll know exactly how much you can afford to spend.

Find the right property. Although it could seem overwhelming, there are lots of tools at your disposal to assist you. To get a sense of what's available, visit real estate agent websites and internet listings. While making a decision, keep in mind to consider factors like location, schools, and public transportation.

Make an offer. When you've located the house of your dreams, it's time to submit an offer. Before submitting any offers, be sure your funds are in order because you may be required to provide a deposit.

Exchange contracts. It's time to exchange the contract and sign it with the seller once you've come to an agreement. By doing so, the sale becomes legally binding, so double-check that everything is satisfactory before you sign.

What Help is Available for First-Time Home Buyers?

There are different grants or incentives available for first-time home buyers in Australia, and you may be eligible for the following:

  1. First Home Owners Grant (conditions may vary according to Australian States and Territories)
  2. First Home Super Saver Scheme
  3. Family Home Guarantee
  4. Regional Home Guarantee Scheme 
  5. Help to Buy Scheme

What If Only One Person is a First-Time Home Buyer?

You might worry if you'll still be regarded as a first-time buyer if you're thinking about buying a house with your spouse. After all, one of you might have previously owned a property.

Keep in mind that you are both regarded as first-time purchasers as long as neither of you has purchased a home in the previous three years. So no matter if the former owner of your partner was from Australia or another country, this regulation still holds true.

Of course, the rule can sometimes be broken. For instance, you might not be qualified for some first-time buyer perks if you or your partner already own investment properties. The best course of action is to speak with your lender or a mortgage broker.

Can You Be a First-Time Home Buyer Twice?

You can be a first-time home buyer twice in Australia. There are a few conditions that need to be met in order to qualify, but it is possible.

If you're looking to buy your first home for the second time, there are a few things you need to know. Here's what you need to do to qualify as a first-time home buyer again:

  • You must have been without a property in Australia for at least three years prior to buying your new home.
  • You must not have held an interest in a property anywhere else in the world during that 3-year period
  • Throughout those three years, you were not allowed to own a property anywhere else in the world.

If you satisfy every requirement, congratulations to you—you're once more a first-time home buyer! It implies that you'll be able to benefit from any government incentives and programmes offered to assist people in purchasing their first homes.

So if you're looking to buy your second home, don't despair because it is possible to do so as a first-time home buyer. Make sure you meet all the requirements, and you'll be on your way to owning your dream home in no time.

Can You Buy Land with First-Time Home Buyer Grant?

You might be wondering if you can utilise a first-time home buyer grant to assist with the purchase of land if you're considering doing so in Australia - the reply is maybe.

While there are no incentives specifically for buying land, a number of government initiatives, such as the First Home Loan Deposit Plan, the First Home Super Savings Scheme, and stamp duty discounts, can help with the costs of owning real estate.

You can do your research and ask your reputable lender or mortgage broker what kind of programs are available to you.

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